Cleanup Underway In Flood-Damaged Trempealeau And Buffalo Counties

Cleanup is underway in flood ravaged Trempealeau and Buffalo counties after up to 8 inches of rain washed out a number of roads and bridges Thursday, said Sonya Hansen, Buffalo County public information officer Sonya Hansen.

Authorities in Buffalo County in western Wisconsin are asking people not to travel in the area unless absolutely necessary.

“If you absolutely need to travel, we’re asking that you proceed with caution because the road shoulders, some of them are washed completely away, and some of the roads are also very spongy,” Hansen said. “So we don’t really want people out there unless they absolutely need to be out there.”

Some roads have been closed indefinitely because bridges have been washed out or damaged too badly to be used. Buffalo County’s website has a map showing road closures.

To the east in Trempealeau County, local roads are still closed, but all state and county roads are open, according to Trempealeau County Sheriff Richard Anderson.

The small city of Independence in Trempealeau County was hit particularly hard.

Karen Sylla, the owner of the Coffee Pot Café in Independence, said the flooding was “terrible.”

“Water was up to my mom’s front steps,” Sylla said. “The pond was totally full. The park was all covered. The roads are closed. The bridge is closed. We don’t need to get any more rain right now.”

Flooding also forced the evacuation of the Gundersen Health System Clinic in Independence, said Chris Stauffer, clinic spokesman.

“Water was pouring in through a wall,” Stauffer said, “And there was nothing anyone could do. So, for a matter of safety for not only patients, but for staff members as well, we evacuated the premises.”

Patients are being referred to a Gundersen clinic in Whitehall until the Independence clinic is reopened.

Emergency management officials have issued warnings for homeowners who have private wells.

Trempealeau County Public Information Officer Pat Malone said well water needs to be tested in flooded areas.

“If you are on a private well, and floodwater has crossed over your well, you need to make sure you get it tested before you drink in it or bathe in it,” Malone said.

Trempealeau and Buffalo counties are providing bacteria testing kits for rural homeowners.